Unveiling Samsung Galaxy Note I717 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy Note I717

The Samsung Galaxy Note I717 was introduced in January 2012 as a pioneering device in the growing category of phablets. It was a part of the Galaxy Note series known for integrating the functionalities of both smartphones and tablets, thereby creating a new category of mobile devices that catered to users seeking larger displays and enhanced multitasking capabilities. Despite being discontinued over the years, the Galaxy Note I717 still holds a significant place in mobile history.

Design and Build

The device is constructed with dimensions of 146.8 x 83 x 9.7 mm, making it notably larger than many smartphones of its time. It weighs 178 grams, which, while heavier than competitors back then, gives a robust and premium feel. The Galaxy Note I717 was crafted with a focus on durability and comfort, featuring a mini-SIM slot. The device was offered in two elegant colors: Carbon Blue and Ceramic White.

Display

The Galaxy Note I717 houses a 5.3-inch Super AMOLED display, boasting a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 285 ppi, offering vibrant and sharp visuals. The Super AMOLED technology ensures deep blacks and rich colors, suitable for various content consumption like videos and gaming. Additionally, the Corning Gorilla Glass protection enhances durability against scratches and accidental drops.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8660 Snapdragon S3 chipset, the Galaxy Note I717 showcases a dual-core 1.5 GHz Scorpion CPU coupled with an Adreno 220 GPU. While the hardware may seem modest by today's standards, at launch, it adequately handled multitasking and graphic-intensive applications. The device came with 1GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSDHC slot, offering flexibility for users requiring additional storage capacity.

Software and User Interface

Running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the Galaxy Note I717 was upgradable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which introduced substantial improvements in interface design and functionality. The device also featured Samsung's TouchWiz UI, providing users with a more customized Android experience. TouchWiz was praised for its intuitive layout, making the large screen device easy to navigate even for first-time users.

Camera Capabilities

In terms of photography, the Galaxy Note I717 comes equipped with an 8 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and LED flash. It was capable of recording high-definition 1080p video at 30 frames per second, a significant feature for a device from 2012. The front houses a 2 MP camera, allowing for decent quality selfies and video calls, aligning well with user expectations of that period.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery, providing a standby time of up to 252 hours and a talk time of around 10 hours. Given its power requirements and screen size, the battery life was considered satisfactory. The inclusion of a removable battery was particularly advantageous, offering users the option to carry spare batteries for extended usage away from power sources.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Galaxy Note I717 supported a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS, and NFC. It was designed to work on GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring broad compatibility for users globally. The device also lacked a radio feature but compensated with alternatives like Wi-Fi Direct and DLNA for media sharing.

In terms of sensors, the phone included an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and even a barometer, highlighting Samsung's intent to make this smartphone a multifunctional device.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Note I717 stands as a milestone in smartphone evolution, especially in the realm of large-screen devices. Its combination of a spacious and vibrant display, reliable performance, and solid build quality catered to professionals and multimedia enthusiasts alike. While technology has rapidly advanced since its release, leading to its discontinuation, the I717 paved the way for future generations of phablets, influencing design and functionality standards in the smartphone market.